Google 'testing search-as-you-type function'

GOOGLE is testing a new feature that will begin displaying search results before users finish typing their queries, technology blog Mashable reports.

Currently, beginning to type a query into Google’s search bar pulls up predictive text suggestions of what the user might be looking for. With the new function, which Google calls “streaming,” as users enter text a preview window will show updated Google search results for what they have typed so far.

Contextual ads, which are how Google makes money from searches, are also updated in real time as users enter queries.

The test of the new function is not available to the public yet.

On its official blog, Google explained that it regularly makes tests of potential new functions visible to just a small section of users. Blogger Rob Ousbey discovered the feature and posted video of it in action to YouTube.